Virginia Tech has announced that they will be without six players for today's game including standout freshman WR Da'Wain Lofton.
Virginia Tech will be without six players today against Maryland:
— The Tech Lunch Pail (@TechLunchPailD) December 29, 2021
WR Da'Wain Lofton
CB Brion Murray
CB Nadir Thompson
DE Jaylen Griffin
LB Austin Rosa
RB Jalen Hampton#Hokies
Da'Wain Lofton is the most notable name on this as the standout freshman WR was poised to start and be a key part of the Hokies' passing attack. With Lofton out, Kaleb Smith is the clear #1 receiver with Jaylen Jones and Changa Hodge set to compliment with walk-on Tink Boyd listed as the backup slot receiver. Raheem Blackshear also has worked a lot at slot this week so don't be surprised to see him out there or some two tight end formations with Drake DeIuliis and Nick Gallo.
Brion Murray and Nadir Thompson absences mean that Virginia Tech will be without three of their top 5 cornerbacks against Maryland's high-powered passing attack with Jermaine Waller opting out previously. Dorian Strong and Armani Chatman are poised to start while freshman DJ Harvey should be the third cornerback for Tech.
Jaylen Griffin was known to be out previously with Eli Adams starting with Griffin out and Amare Barno opting out. Freshmen Cole Nelson and Mattheus Carroll are poised to be the primary backup DEs.
Austin Rosa and Jalen Hampton are the other Hokies out for this game.
